Nordstrom Roundup: Affordable Trends Under $100

Here’s a quick roundup of brand new items that are under $100. Wear them casually, or dress them up for work or play. Be sure to browse all the colour options. 

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

Nude Hosiery Is Fab

For ten years or more nude-for-you hosiery has been thought of as old-fashioned, dowdy and unattractive when worn with dresses and skirts. If you didn’t want to wear black or non-neutral hose, you were encouraged to sport bare legs for a more hip and fashionable look. 

I don’t agree. I think nude-for-you hosiery looks fab when you need a little more warmth. It’s also the finishing touch that can make an outfit look more chic, dressy, polished and professional. And there are the added advantages of more coverage and legs that look more even. With light and non-neutral outfits in particular, dark hosiery can look off, especially when you have mid-toned and light hair. Black hosiery can also look overly Winter-y in the Spring, even when temperatures are far from hot. Nude-for-you hosiery is THE way to fake bare legs in cooler weather.  

WOLFORD Satin Touch 20 Denier TightsWOLFORD Individual 10 Denier Control Tights

It does take a little more effort to find the right pair. While just about any pair of sheer black hose will do the trick, this is not the case for nude hose. I’ve found that the sheerest pairs (very thin and delicate in texture and weight) with very subtle sheen are best because they look the most natural and “naked”. They also need to be a fairly good match to your skin tone. A perfect match is not essential, but a close one is good. I tend to go slightly darker than the skin on my legs, which works well. 

WOLFORD Neon 40 Denier TightsWOLFORD Satin Touch 20 Denier Stay-up Stockings

I used to think that nude hosiery looked best with dressy skirt and dress outfits, but was proved wrong when visiting Japan in the Spring a few years ago. There wasn’t a bare leg in sight because nude hosiery was worn with ANY outfit. From the dressiest classic and ladylike looks, to the hippest, skimpiest and most fashion-forward outfits.

I wear nude hosiery when I think my dressy skirt or frock outfit looks best with bare legs, but it’s too cold to sport it that way. I don’t go so far as to wear nude hosiery with casual dresses and skirts. Do you wear nude hosiery, or do you think it looks dowdy?

Dandy ’70s Fun

A new outfit from Carelia Morán of My Small Wardrobe, whom we introduced to YLF in July 2013.

A texture-rich outfit chock-full of Boho influences that feels very now thanks to the black coated skinny jeans and bright-coloured pumps. Carelia’s rust velvet blazer and painterly print pussy bow blouse scream dandy ‘70s fun. The filigree chandelier earrings and orange-tinted sunnies further emphasize that effect. Pairing these Boho pieces with coated skinnies creates an interesting “Hard Edge meets Boho” outfit juxtaposition. The cool-toned fuchsia pumps are a delicious contrast against the warm rust and echo the print of the blouse. A genius and unexpected touch. Finally, Carelia’s cream quilted crossbody adds even more textural interest.

Carelia Moran - 2

Carelia Moran - 1

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Layer a Turtleneck Under a Shirt

Layering a turtleneck under a button-down shirt is another way to insulate a shirt in cold weather. It’s a nod to ‘70s fashion that’s very Ralph Lauren, and I’m loving the Modern Retro combination. The pictures below represent the look well. 

To my eye a snug, fine gauge turtleneck sweater is best because the texture looks more intentional and Winter-y, and the tight fit works comfortably under a shirt. But a cotton turtleneck in a jersey knit (T-shirt material) will also work. Finish off the casual outfit with a pair of ‘80s style skinnies — cropped or full-length — and a pair of boots, bag and topper, and you’re good to go. Personally, I prefer the shirt half way buttoned and semi-tucked with scrunched sleeves (like example #1). But wearing it untucked with scrunched sleeves works well too (see example #2). I’m also liking the chunky bling necklaces that are layered over the turtleneck and under the shirt. Festive.  

Plaid shirts and denim shirts are the classic choice to wear with a layered turtleneck because their weights are substantial, which complements the weight of the sweater. However, lighter weight turtlenecks and blouses can also be worn in the combination (see example #3).

Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid ShirtDenim & Supply Ralph Lauren Flannel Utility ShirtRAG & BONE Suede Skinny Pants

I wore this combination a few days ago. I layered an old black body con turtleneck under a new plaid shirt, and combined it with old low-rise skinnies, a cognac belt, cognac knee-high boots, gold clutch and ink military coat. Here are the exact items from my wardrobe that made up the outfit. The combination felt fresh and very toasty. My love for Retro Futurism continues.

Next time I’m going to put together an even more ‘70s version of the concept by combining the semi-tucked layered turtleneck and plaid shirt with flared jeans, a vintage leather jacket with faux fur trim, gold clutch and rust booties. Would you layer a turtleneck under a button-down shirt, ‘70s style?

Two of my examples above come from Macy’s. Reminder that the Macy’s Friends and Family sale, which discounts brands that rarely go on sale, ends in a few days. You can use the code FRIEND to get 25% off until the 10th.

Macy’s Friends and Family Event: Dresses

The Macy’s Friends and Family sale, which discounts brands that rarely go on sale, ends in a few days. Use code FRIEND to get 25% off until the 10th.

Macy’s is generally a good source for dresses across petite, regular and plus sizes, and their online selection is particularly good. Chances are low you’ll find the most fashion-forward frock in their dress department, but you will find a whole slew of flop proof and flattering modern classics in machine washable fabrications and at reasonable prices. Here’s an assortment of what I call a “no-nonsense dress”. Easy to wear, comfortable and unfussy. Browse through all the colours and read the rave reviews.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.